The Takeaway: Would Hamas complicate US plans for reset with Palestinians? Also: the back story on the spat between Israel and Jordan; Gulf post-COVID economic trends; Turkey’s Kurds; Egypt and Somalia; and more! Originals
Egypt sentences activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Seif, who had been in pretrial detention since June, was convicted Wednesday of spreading false news and misusing social media. Egypt
Ukraine rejects Iran's final report on downed passenger plane The Iranian government said last year's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was the result of a human error. Iran
Palestinians receive first batch of vaccines through COVAX More than 60,000 doses of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines arrived in Ramallah on Wednesday. Palestine
Israelis hop on Tel Aviv's new Sabbath bus service Tel Aviv's first fleet of minibuses rolled out Friday evening, breaking a longstanding deadlock over whether municipalities can or should operate public transportation on the Sabbath. Israel
Ottoman 'city of princes' ready-made for the Instagram age Referred to as the "city of princes" for once being a training ground for future sultans, Amasya is attracting tourists with its rich history, museums and natural beauty. Turkey
Like every other suspected civil servant, Netanyahu must step down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not care that any low-level civil servant suspected of a felony is requested immediately to suspend himself until the end of his trial. Israel
Can Netanyahu plug the first hole in Likud's wall? Only Gideon Saar has dared to publicly challenge Benjamin Netanyahu for leadership of the Likud following the prime minister's indictment for bribery. Israel
Israel punishes Muslim incitement, ignores Jewish one Islamic Movement leader Sheikh Raed Salah was convicted of inciting terrorism, yet Israeli authorities systematically ignore incitement by Jewish far-right activists. Palestine
Why some members of Lebanon's diaspora returned for Independence Day Following a speech by President Aoun in which he was interpreted as having encouraged demonstrators to leave the country, some members of Lebanon’s diaspora returned home for Independence Day on Nov. 22 to join in the protests. Lebanon
IDF hustles to prevent Syria from following in Lebanon's footsteps The latest attacks against Iranian targets in Syria send Tehran a clear message that Israel won’t accept its continued entrenchment there. Israel
Welcome to the beginning of the end of Iraq's post-Saddam era For Iraq’s youth, it’s been a failure. Iraq
Pakistan penetrates top esports gaming echelon, giving hope to Mideast players Players from areas not previously well known for esports areas are making names for themselves, providing encouragement to would-be champions in the Middle East. Jordan
Why Liberman ends alliance with ultra-Orthodox After he prevented the formation of a right, ultra-Orthodox government following the April and September elections, Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman has sharpened his statements toward the ultra-Orthodox. Israel
Turkey’s HDP will not cede political ground Despite pressure from both the government and its own base, Turkey’s main pro-Kurdish party has decided against withdrawing from the parliament and local administrations in protest over its treatment. Turkey
Copycat murder-suicides distress Turkey Three separate Turkish families committed suicide by taking cyanide in the first two weeks of November, and despite the government's denials, economic hardship seemed to play a key role in all three cases that shook the country. Turkey
